Definition of RCRA
The RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) was enacted by the federal government in 1976. It is an amendment to the 1965 Solid Waste Disposal Act, which oversees the disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials.
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Purpose
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The aims of the RCRA include protecting the environment from the harmful effects of industrial waste, energy conservation, reduction of industrial waste, and effective disposal of waste material.
Solid Waste
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The EPA describes "solid waste" as all waste materials produced by wastewater treatment, water supply treatment, industries, mines, farming, and commercial and community activities.
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Implementation
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The RCRA is implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). States are allowed to implement their own EPA-approved regulations for disposal of waste materials.
"Cradle to Grave"
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The RCRA's Subtitle C requires all waste disposal facilities to keep a "cradle to grave" record of all their processes, from the point of waste generation to the point of disposal.
Permit
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Generators of solid waste do not need a permit to treat waste produced on site, as long as they conform to EPA requirements. A permit is required to treat waste produced off site and for treating waste by incineration.
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